Independent Pre-K and Elementary School in San Antonio

Lower School - Inspired Explorers

Montessori (beginning at age 3) / Kindergarten / Forms 1 – 5

It all begins with a child’s natural curiosity about the world. By nurturing this innate love of learning in an atmosphere of joy and contagious enthusiasm, we lay a foundation for future academic growth and discovery while building essential skills like concentration, motivation, and self-discipline.

Lower School Instruction: Technology Instruction

Instruction to technology begins in Montessori with iPods available to students in Montessori through Form 1 for various activities and projects, climbing to a 1:1 iPad/Chromebook-to-student ratio in Forms 2-5. 

Lower School Highlights: Spanish Instruction

Spanish Introduction as early as Kindergarten exposes students to a world language at a young age. 

Lower School Highlights: Fine Arts Instruction

Fine arts instruction rotates through music, art, and drama, offering students multiple avenues for developing their creativity. Interested students can also study dance.

Lower School Highlights
Lower School Highlights: Daily Physical Activity

At Saint Mary’s Hall we know the many benefits of movement and physical education. Students in Montessori – Form 5 participate in regular physical activity through regular Physical Education classes and daily recess.

Lower School Highlights
Lower School Highlights: Experiential Learning Opportunities

In the Lower School, our students transfer their learning from the classroom to the real world through activities such as practicing the skills of scientific observation by walking through a local nature reserve, learning principles of fractions by visiting a pizzeria, or understanding the effects of force by flying in a wind tunnel.

Meet the Team

Khristi Bates - Head of Lower School

Khristi Bates has been at Saint Mary's Hall since 2018. Contact her at (210) 483-9131 or kbates@smhall.org

Nur Mangalji - Assistant Head of Lower School

Nur Mangalji has been at Saint Mary's Hall since 2002. Contact her at (210) 483-9201 or nmangalji@smhall.org

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For more detailed descriptions of the Lower School curriculum, download the Lower School Curriculum Guide.

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